- Based on the 500SR Voom
- Comes with a 500cc, inline-four engine
- Could be launched globally soon
CFMoto has officially unveiled its new four-cylinder sportbike, the CFMoto 500SR, at the Chengdu Tianfu International Circuit, confirming specs and, more importantly, a price point that could shake up the segment.
Positioned as a direct rival to bikes like the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R and the newly revealed Honda CBR500R Four, the 500SR would undercut them significantly on price. Despite that, the spec sheet suggests it’s not giving up much, if anything.
At its core is a 500cc inline four-cylinder engine derived from the unit seen in the CFMoto 500SR Voom. It’s been updated with new camshafts and a revised gearshift mechanism. The engine produces a claimed 78hp at 12,500rpm, with a higher rev ceiling than the Honda, and even bumps up to 82hp with ram-air at speed. Torque sits at 48Nm at 11,000rpm, slightly lower than the Honda, reflecting its shorter-stroke, higher-revving nature.
The engine uses Bosch fuel injection but sticks with mechanical throttles instead of ride-by-wire. That means fewer electronic riding modes, though it still gets dual-mode traction control and an upshift-only quickshifter.
Cycle parts are where the 500SR really stands out for the price. It uses a chromoly steel trellis frame with an aluminium subframe, paired with a 41mm USD fork offering 30-step preload adjustability. The rear monoshock is also adjustable for preload and compression. Braking is handled by Nissin four-piston radial calipers up front with dual 300mm discs, while Continental ABS is standard and switchable at the rear. A steering damper with 24 levels of adjustment adds further to the premium feel.
For now, the focus remains on China, where demand for small-capacity four-cylinder sportbikes is booming. However, with the 500SR Voom already making its way into markets like Australia and New Zealand, a global rollout of the 500SR seems like a realistic possibility if the business case stacks up.
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If it does go global, this is one bike that could seriously disrupt the entry-level supersport segment, not just on price, but on outright performance and spec.
